10-minute back-to-school breakfasts

Laura Schmidt RD, LD

When health is on your mind but time is not on your side, reach for these easy meal options to start the day.

You want your family to wake up to a breakfast packed with whole grains and healthy nutrients, but you also want to get everyone out the door on time. Here’s a few smart ideas to shake up the same old cereal routine — and in a way that’s equal parts nutritious and quick.

Frozen Yogurt Bark

Like little ice cream bars, only much healthier, this creamy but bar-like breakfast also doubles as a protein-packed snack. Ten minutes before bedtime, whip up a tray for the morning — all it takes is 1 (32-ounce) container of Greek yogurt (any flavor), ½ cup of fresh berries, and 1 cup of whole grain cereal. Line a sheet pan with a silicone mat or parchment paper and spread the yogurt into the pan. Sprinkle on the fresh berries and cereal and then freeze the pan overnight. For breakfast, break it into large pieces and serve. Leftovers can be stored in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer.

Nutrition note: A batch of frozen yogurt bark serves about 12 and provides around 8 grams of protein per serving.

No-Bake Cereal Balls

A dozen sweet but nutritious cereal balls only takes 5 minutes to prepare. In a saucepan, combine ¼ cup nut butter, ¼ cup raw sugar, ¼ cup honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a dash of salt. Cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups whole grain cereal (any kind) and 1 ½ muesli. (Muesli is a simple combination of rolled oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruits.) Shape the mixture into 12 balls, placing each one into a paper muffin wrapper. Store any remaining cereal balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition note: Using whole grain cereal fortified with vitamins and nutrients makes these cereal balls — 2 per serving — an excellent source of iron and a good source of vitamins A and C.

Goldie’s Forest

Berry Parfait

This 3-ingredient breakfast requires no planning ahead. Just mix ½ cup berries with a 5.3-ounce container of Greek yogurt and top with a package of belVita Bites (any flavor) or a package of crushed belVita biscuits.

Nutrition note: One package of belVita Bites provides 20 grams of whole grains per serving, along with a good amount of iron and B vitamins.

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The information in this article is not intended as medical advice.

Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Laura Schmidt is a registered dietitian representing Hy-Vee as a nutrition expert promoting healthy eating throughout the community.